Johnson County survey is encouraging

A clear majority of Johnson County residents who answered a survey commissioned by the county support a new county sheriff’s office and jail.

The survey, created with the assistance of the University of Iowa’s Center for Social Science and Innovation, showed 74% of respondents would support a bond issue to pay for a new public safety facility.

The survey was sent to 3,800 people and 750 responded. That’s a 19% response rate and is higher than researchers expected.

After respondents were told about the condition of the current facility, support jumped to more than 80%. And more than 80% of respondents support creating a joint law enforcement facility shared by the county and the Iowa City Police Department.

The cost of a joint facility is estimated at $106 million, according to a feasibility study. That price tag was not shared with survey respondents because the feasibility study was not completed during the survey period.

The results are encouraging because the needs are real. The county jail is overcrowded, and the police department also needs more space. No agreement has been made to pursue a joint facility, but its advantages are clear.

A potential turn in public opinion is also welcome after jail improvements were defeated by county voters in 2012 and 2013. A joint facility would mean a bond issue could pass with more than 50% of the votes, instead of the 60% threshold for the previous bond referendums.

In both instances, the county’s plan received more than 50% support but fell short of the higher 60% threshold for passage.

So, the new facility is long overdue. Johnson County is currently paying to house inmates at the Linn County Jail. In the beginning, each transferred inmate cost Johnson County $60 each day. But the agreement requires a 4 percent fee increase each year.

In Fiscal Year 2025, it was estimated sending jail inmates to Linn County was estimated to cost $438,000. That estimate didn’t account for the cost of gas and vehicle maintenance.

But favorable polling is not a blank check, nor does it mean a jail referendum would cruise to passage. Details of the plan will matter, and we urge the county to continue education residents about the need, the plan, and the cost to taxpayers.

The survey seems to indicate the time is right to try again. A joint facility is a good idea given the needs of both departments. Being transparent and educating voters on the facts will enhance the chances for passage.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com